Stacey Halls grew up in Rossendale, Lancashire, as the daughter of market traders. She has always been fascinated by the Pendle witches. She studied journalism at the University of Central Lancashire and moved to London aged 21. She was media editor at The Bookseller and books editor at Stylist.co.uk, and has also written for Psychologies, the Independent and Fabulous magazine, where she now works as Deputy Chief Sub Editor. The Familiars is her first novel.

I love an author event – and Blackwell’s Oxford host them throughout the year, they are great to go to, small intimate events, held in both shops in Oxford – this one was the newer Westgate shop.

Stacey Halls – has written a highly recommended book – pregnant ‘Lady of the manor’ Fleetwood Shuttleworth creates an unlikely friendship with Alice Gray, two women from very different backgrounds – who is rumored to be a witch, can she help Alice give birth to a healthy child and survive, as her doctors advise she against?

The artwork on the cover is stunning, suoer cute tote and Fox Bookmark too!

The book is getting rave reviews, the beautiful artwork on the cover, the foliage and Fox draw the eye and the story seals the deal.

Will Fleetwood be able to save Alice from the accusations of witchcraft that surround her and can Alice, in turn, use her midwife skills using herbs and her limited skills – bearing in mind this book is based in around the year 1612. Stacey has painstakingly researched history books and to use correct references.

Stacey didn’t set out to write it with a feminist theme, but it does have two strong leading ladies and its about female friendship and their backgrouds and their survival.

Stacey Halls at Blackwell’s

Stacey – a Journalist took unpaid leave for 2 months to finish writing The Familiars, and I am glad she did. It was fascinating to listen to Stacey explaining how she sent hours researching history books and transcripts of interviews from the Pendle witch trials of 1612.

Stacey is writing her second novel now, which should be out sometime next year. It’s based in Georgian London, so historical again and is about a missing child – the title is yet to be finalised.